Process for cleaning linotype matrices



Patented Aug. 27, 1929.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

WILLIAM DUNKLIN, OF NEW YORK, N. Y.

PROCESS FOR CLEANING LINOTYPE MATRICES.

No Drawing.

This invention relates to a process for cleaning linotype matrices.

The matrices of linotype machines become very dirty when in constant use as they take up graphite from the space bands and. oil from the machine as well as dust and gritlrom the air. Dirty matrices will stick in the machine and not respond to the operators touch on the keys. In addition, any accumulation of dirt on the side walls will prevent the proper lockup when they are set in the casting position. In this case a breakdown of the side walls results in hairlines being cast in the type which renders the entire set of matrices entirely useless and causes them to be discarded. The general custom is to clean the matrices with benzine or gasoline. As this is done by hand it is a slow process and the matrices are only partially improved. Although there are many brass cleaners on the market the peculiar conditions prevent their use as they injure the razor edged projection that forms the sidewall in the formation of the type by the matrix and any injury to the sidewall causes the formation of hairlines or they do not clean the linotype matrices. More or less the same condition exists with reference to the keyboard cams, brass springs, brass fronts and magazines of typesetting machines.

I have found that a solution of chromium trioxide and water will clean the matrices without harm to the metal. I have further Application filed March 28, '1929. Serial No. 350,826.

found that the chromium trioxide should not exceed a ninety per cent solution in order that no injury shall be done to the metal. The process is to immerse the matrices or other brass parts of the linotype machine to be cleaned from three to four minutes in a ninetpper cent solution of chromium triox- 40 and water and to agitate either the matrices or other parts of the machine or to agitate the solution and then to remove the matrices or other parts and to rinse them thoroughly with water and then to allow them to dry.

In the trade brass cleaners for matrices have been universally condemned as they will either attack the brass and destroy the delicate sidewalls of the matrices or will not clean the brass.

It will thus be seen that I have provided a process whereby the production from a. linotype machine may be materially increased and whereby the matrices may be cleaned without injury to them.

\Vhat I claim is:

The process of cleaning brass linoty e matrices which comprises immersing tiie same in a solution containing from 3% to 5% chromium trioxide and from 97% to water.

Signed at New York, in the county of New York and State of New York this 25th day of March, A. D. 1929.

WILLIAM DUNKLIN. 

